Undercard Productions

Complete your comic for a dollar

The idea of comics existing outside of the printed world is really heating up lately. Over here on Newsarama and on The Beat, there has been a lot of discussions concerning what the market will look like. I think whatever is happening will vastly re sculpture the layout of the comic world.

I think indies & small budget will continue to be as they always have been. Some kids telling great stories outside of the world of brawn and beauties. The process of distribution will change, but these kids are plucky. They've broken in before, they will break in again, it will be rocky for a time, but as all clouds do, they will pass.

One thing I am really interested in is the digital comics world. I see a great promise in it. I know people swear by then printed book. Just like records, I don't think they will stop being made, especially TPBs. I mean that is basically all I buy anymore. The weeklies are interesting. I think moving digital is a great way to stay in touch with the youth. Kids are basically born with computers and cell phones now. Sadly, it will soon be the only medium that they connect with(coming from a man who aspires to design book/comic covers).

I don't think the subscription model is that bad. I would even go as so far to enhance it. I am only familiar with Marvel Digital, so this is roughly based off of it. Base a monthly subscription for a set amount of views (more) & downloads (less). Or a two page preview, kind of like a track preview in iTunes. The downloads should work like an iTunes complete my album option. Download a printable pdf for 1 dollar more, or whatever amount is effective. It can be taken even further. On demand printing is a pretty good idea. I like the model that Shutter-fly has adopted. Print for a set amount on-line and have it shipped to you, or you could even pick up at a local comic shop or major retailer? Then the revenue stream is still extended somewhat to the comic shop from the publisher. (The print quality would not be as good as it is now, but with most 4 color digital, the color is pretty predictable and it is cost effective in mass) And all on demand.

I think it would make it more cost effective for everyone. Diamond could even extend to be a vendor in then on demand print module so people can stick to the assumed manner of distribution. Also it would keep hard drives from getting filled up with pdf's(above sketch of a sad external drive) and give people an archival method to own and touch their comics. Eh? Eh? I don't know...I just think it is a really interesting option And I think it is going to take some major overhauling to get everything in line. Just like it is in every business model now. Just as long as CEO are not buy 90,000 dollars rugs that really tie the room together...does it not?  

The beautiful underbelly of pro football

The NYTimes had a great article this morning featuring some great design from the WW2 era. In a little known turn of events, some teams joined together to maintain their rosters during war time. The three teams were the Cardinals, Eagles, & Steelers. Compared to the celebrity status of pro football players, it is inconceivable, but then again, these guys had bigger fish to fry than taking a gun to a club.

I digress. I love. *LOVE.* The program cover on the right. I live the font choices, namely the headline of then teams. The layout seems very strong and grounded. As opposed to then cover on the left, seems more wish washy. The one on the right echoes the strength of soldiers, that I'm sure they were trying to convey, in the layout. Clean and lively. I love then Rockwellian, Leyedeckerish punter. This made me so happy this morning when I saw it.

Make face time

Instead make a bad type choice. I love the idea of theses. I love the execution. I do not like the type choice. I don't get a disconnection from computers from the choice. What about something with more of a handmade quality? The type they chose just feels very rigid and emotionless to me. Type choices should reflect the emotion of the ads. I would have preferred to see more of a juxtaposition with the "computery speak"(e.g. chatroom, voicemail, instant message) and the personal nature of the images reflected in the type.

*swoon*

I was doing some serious vibin' on this book cover archive(from SwissMiss), when I came across this cover by Jason. The Norwegian comic artist whose work I adore. I would have preferred less emphasis on the title, underplay it a bit. I feel like the sparseness plays to the actual story of Dharma Bum. I actually like this cover a lot aside form my gripe with the title. The colors actually remind me of my copy from college.

The new WPA

The Work Projects Administration helped put millions of Americans back to work following the Great Depression. It formed a work force which completed many public buildings, projects and roads and operated large arts, drama, media and literacy projects. It fed children and redistributed food, clothing and housing. It's almost safe to say, that America will need a new "new deal" to help our economy & workforce recover.

We can only hope that it will be created with the environment in mind. Doing so can help quickly change companies and labor forces impact on the environment, faster than any government regulations could. We could create a entire workforce, form scratch, with new morals and beliefs in place. I only hope our government can meet then challenge. I just was playing around with some WPA era posters and wanted to create something pro-union & pro-environment.

I hope everyone likes it, I'm gonna make an effort to overcome my fear of general criticism and get some more of my work out there.

Best home video EVER

Japan from Eric Testroete on Vimeo

I came across this video today on We Made This. I love this video, it's all still photography compiled from this fella Eric's trip to Japan. It is a touching, and extremely personal account of someone's trip and it makes jetting look lame. I love the warm & fuzzy feeling of it.